Watching the UT vs Texas Tech basketball game brings a thought to my simple mind. The key to the success of the Longhorns this year lies in the hands of a Turkish point guard, my new favorite player Dogus Balbay. Since being inserted into the starting lineup 4 games ago, Dogus has led Texas in assists while leading the Horns to a 3-1 record. In the Horns likely Tournament sealing win over Oklahoma last Saturday, Balbay came close to recording just the 2nd triple double in UT history. His ability to drive the lane and finish at the rim or dish out to the Texas shooters helps mask a glaring weakness opponents had exposed against Texas all season - Texas's lack of a ball handling play maker.
Rick Barnes' career in Austin has been highlighted by good to stellar point guard play (TJ Ford, Daniel Gibson, DJ Augustin), but this season has exposed Barnes' inability to actually coach a workable offense. Ever since his arrival in Austin, Barnes has allowed his PGs to run a pick and roll offense, designed to allow uniquely talented players to get to the rim, dish off to cutting wing players, or kick out to spot up shooters. Motion offense describes Colt McCoy's Longhorns football team more than than UT's hoops squad.
Ignoring the one year Kevin Durant spent at the 40 acres, Barnes has been unable or unwilling to alter his offensive philosophy. For the most part of this year, this hurt Texas, as neither AJ Abrams nor Justin Mason seemed to be willing or able to get into the paint off the dribble. Dogus Balbay has brought this part of the Texas offense to life: in addition to Balbay's improved play, Abrams (the Big 12's career leader in 3 pointers made) has seen his points per game increase, as has winger Damion James (a player who has become a wing oriented player this season). If Texas is to succeed and advance in either the Big 12 or NCAA tournament, their hopes fall upon the shoulders of Turkish bred Dogus Balbay. So far, so good.
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